Park Tools

Things to Do - Sandy Hook

The Army Ground Forces Association conducts Fort Hancock Days every year. Set your calendars for Sunday October 25, 2015.

NPS PHOTO

Looking for some fun this week?

Gateway's latest seasonal Program Guide includes nature walks and history tours and programs for Sandy Hook.

Beach Recreation
Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at ocean side beaches. Please swim only at guarded beaches and only when lifeguards are on duty. When wading, be aware of sudden drop-offs. If you can't swim, don't go in.

Rip currentsare powerful currents of water flowing away from shore. Before you go to the beach, learn what you need to do to "Break the Grip of the Rip!"®

Fishing Surf fishing is permitted at all beaches, except:

at oceanside beaches when lifeguards are on duty, and;

when sections of the beach are closed to protect nesting shore birds (typically March to September).

Salt water fishing in New Jersey requires a permit from the state of New Jersey. Registration is free. The New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program is part of an improved data program to help protect long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.

Annual passes for nighttime fishing can be purchased from the park. Unless otherwise stated below, payment is permitted by cash, credit, check or money order. Your Social Security number is required on all checks. Due to changes in staffing over the seasons, the times and places to buy annual fishing passes vary as well. For more information, please e-mail us.

Fish Smart, Eat Smart is a guide for eating fish caught in New Jersey coastal waters from the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Please read this before eating what you catch.

BikingFor a great way to see Sandy Hook, the seven-mile long Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) starts at the park entrance and loops around Fort Hancock. It is shared by walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Bring your own bicycle or you can rent a bike during your visit.

The MUP is for everyone, so please use it with courtesy. Whether you walk, bike or rollerblade, stay on your side of the yellow line. Keep an ear out for people who wish to pass. Keep animals on a short enough leash to keep your pet on your side of the trail.

HikingTrails begin at the Spermaceti Cove Lifesaving Station (closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy) and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer some areas are closed due to the shorebird nesting season.

BirdingSandy Hook is a prime spot for birding. Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock.

CampingOvernight tent camping is available at Sandy Hook. Click here to read more on Camp Gateway. Reservations are available at www.recreation.gov under "Camp Gateway."

BoatingNon-motorized car top boats can be launched from Beach Area C and Horseshoe Cove. Windsurfing and kite-boarding is best on the bay across from Beach Area C. Horseshoe Cove is popular with recreational boaters. Landing on the beach with a motorized boat is prohibited.

PicnicsEnjoy a blanket picnics on the beach. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Grilling is permitted only at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.

Food TrucksSandy Hook is embarking on a new path with mobile food trucks this summer. Throughout this year's beach season different mobile food vendors will be offering an array of food to visitors. Vendors will be located in various parking lots throughout the beach during the summer season.

HistoryTake a stroll around Fort Hancock, a National Historic Landmark. Seven days a week the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Keepers' Quarters and Barn are open to tell the story of lighthouses and the men and women who maintained these life-saving sentinels. Lighthouse tours are available 1 pm to 4:30 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Want to reserve a group tour for the Sandy Hook Lighthouse? Please be advised:

reservations must be made prior to your group's visit;

reservations must be made three weeks in advance of the requested tour date;

Want to take a walk through historic Fort Hancock, go birding on a nature trail, ride your bike on the Multi-Use Path or drive to your favorite beach? Find a map here!
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Water safety is fun!

Kids: Do you know how to stay safe while having fun at Gateway's beaches? Test yourself!
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Fort Hancock Military History

Before Sandy Hook was a beachgoer's paradise and a refuge for endangered species, Fort Hancock protected New York Harbor. Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark preserves this history, from Rodman guns to radar.
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Birds of Gateway

Find out what birds live in Gateway National Recreation Area and which ones you can see during their spring and fall migrations.
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